Thursday, 21 January 2016

Munnar, Kerala

DAY 8:
MUNNAR

We
woke up early to catch the rising sun. From the windows of our room, we could
see the famed hills of Munnar, but there was fog all around. The sky was not
clear, with the sun playing hide and seek; but I still took out my camera to
try my luck.

Munnar Hills

After
a nice shower and home cooked idly for breakfast, we went to the water
reservoir and dam where we could do some boating. After spending 5 days on a
ship and spending enough time everyday on boats and in rich blue water of
Lakshadweep, going for a boat ride was the last thing that we wanted to do.

But
we didn’t have any other option and we headed to the massive Matupetty Dam and
Reservoir. The view from the reservoir was beautiful. The lake was covered by
forest area on all sides with the hills as the backdrop. This was the true
beauty of Munnar.

Matupetty Dam, Munnar

After
a stroll in the garden, we went for the ride in the reservoir in the speed
boat. It was a thrilling experience and all of us had a ball. Our boatsmen
(Rajesh) was an ace photographer. While we all hung on to our boots as the boat
swayed through the water, he deftly clicked some beautiful snaps.

Its FUN Time!!!

After
an exciting speed boat ride, we went for a drive to see the very famous tea
gardens of Munnar. The landscape of Munnar can put the very best manicured
gardens to shame. Thanks to the thousands of acres of tea gardens. To add to
this is the ever changing colour of the sky. And between the land and the sky,
fog, clouds and sun play hide and seek. Munnar is sheer romance. In fact it is
one of the most preferred hill station destination for honeymoon couples.

Tea Gardens, Munnar

Since
we could not see Munnar, we decided to enjoy a Kathakali Dance, a traditional
Kerala dance. The dance uses elaborate makeup, costumes and jewelry. It was
sheer joy to see the efforts, the devotion of the artists. All the performers
in Kathakali are men and they play the role of both male and female characters.

Make up of Kathakali Performers

Along with the actors, the music and vocals plays an important role in
kathakali. The story enacted is told to the audience beforehand. The performers
never speak during the performance; they act and convey their emotions and
story with their hand gestures and expressions. The make-up of the artists
takes an hour and one can see the artists while putting on their make-up and the
transformation they undergo.

Kathakali Dance

We were amongst the first to arrive and
therefore we had the first row seat. They started with teaching us the basics
of Kathakali, the meaning of the hand movements and eye movements. The artist
would invite 1-2 volunteers from the crowd onto the stage and try to convey
messages purely via their hand & eye expressions. It was hilarious to see
the reactions of the volunteers & counter actions of the artists on stage.

Then
they got started on the actual dancing, which is a performance based on a story
from the Hindu Classics. It was quite entertaining. At the end of the show you
can get your snap clicked with the artists.

After
enjoying the beautiful dance we decided to enjoy a Kerela massage (massage
center adjoining the theatre). Though far more expensive than Alleppy, the
massages at Munnar seem more sophisticated and gentle. After a relaxing
massage, we all headed back to our homestay to enjoy a simple and delicious
home cooked dinner.

Points to
remember:

Munnar
is a little costly as far as accommodation is concerned.

Munnar
can get a little cold in early morning and night. Please carry warm clothes
accordingly.

The
road from Kochi to Munnar is a two lane road and is curvy and hills. Therefore,
while estimating the travel time, don’t consider the kms. It takes around 4 – 5
hours to reach Munnar.